Bad Ground Connection On Cars-Meaning,Symptoms, Diagnosing and Solving The Problem
Vložit
- čas přidán 21. 06. 2024
- Visit us at despairrepair.com where you can find more useful car and driving tips.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Content of this video:
00:00 Intro
00:35 What is a ground connection?
01:19 Symptoms of a bad ground connection-heavy cranking
02:01 Low alternator voltage
02:32 Flickering headlights
02:53 Car will crank but will not start
03:16 Electronic glitches
04:32 How to find the problem-use a multimeter
06:42 Visual inspection of the connections
09:11 Use a jumper cable
10:26 Solutions to a bad ground connection problem
12:20 Recap
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A bad ground connection is one of the most overseen and neglected electrical car problems.
Although it's very simple to fix in most cases, some symptoms mimic more serious car problems (a weak car battery, bad starter, bad alternator, faulty electric or electronic components, or else).
This often leads to unneeded and sometimes very expensive repairs that solve nothing.
So before you go and spend a significant amount of money and time, take a look at this video tutorial. It may prevent this and perhaps help solve the bad ground connection problem yourself.
You can also read our illustrated articles on the same topic by clicking here:
despairrepair.com/bad-ground-...
despairrepair.com/how-to-fix-...
Hope the video helps, please like and subscribe to our channel! - Auta a dopravní prostředky
The jumper cable test worked for my 30 year old truck. I had no power inside the truck except the cab light. I was about to buy a new battery even though mine tested 12.6 volts. I turned the key on and hooked up one side of the jumper cables from the negative battery to the fender and everything came on inside. I cleaned the negative battery cable at the alternator. 5 minute fix after watching the video. Thank You so much!!!
Not to get too far into the weeds of esotericism, but grounding your barefeet to the earth can create stability and homeostasis in the body as well. My 2015 Charger was having no crank issues and just as you correctly stated, it could be a faulty ground game or “Bad Earth” connection issue..Everyone should buy a multimeter and self jump battery capacity for a good educational DIY experience. Remember cars and computers are mimicking our internal human electrical system. Thanks for this..
Out of all the videos here on CZcams about checking the ground connections, I actually understood what to do. Thank you for making it easy to understand. Have a blessed day.
You're welcome and thanks for watching!
@@DespairRepair So how do I test the 2007 Audi Q7 with battery being not under the hood. It's under driver seat inside vehicle. How am I to test ground using your method explain here with the multimeter?
@@Heylo7 hi and thanks for watching! Do you have remote battery connections under the hood?
Also, what do you want to test? Is the engine grounded, the body, or else?
@@DespairRepair yes I have positive connection and the ground connection posts to under hood driver side of the engine bay. I want to test for ground. Using your method from what I watched in your video here. My multimeter is a cen-tech cm300 and the dials numbering on it start at 60 600 6000 etc it's not the one which let's you set multimeter to say 20 200 2000 etc mines not like that.
@@Heylo7 what's the problem and why are you testing?
I clipped every connector under the hood, even the ones to the battery. I replaced the Battery connectors with Brass ones, replaced a few ground cables (easier) from the body to the engine. Plugged the battery cables back, turned the ignition and all lights came on, the car started better than it used. Thank you so much. The Electricians told me I needed an ECM (Computer) and a new set of keys. Your video saved me $700. Thank you thank you thank you.
Finally someone that breaks it down in a simple form, I've been having some issues with my Jetta. Pretty sure it's a bad ground connection or ECM. This video helped me understand how everything goes together and how to use a multimeter as well.
Hi Dwayne, thanks for watching and for the nice comment.
Glad if the video helped, we try our best to simplify.
By the way, admire the skateboard skills :-)
@@DespairRepair 00⁰0⁰⁰⁰⁰⁰
Did you replace the ground?
Lemme guess. Mk4 vw
Updates lol?
Good video!
The jumper cable method is pretty fast. Idk about newer cars but I've also heard of people creating an additional ground on older vehicles. I suppose for a ground diagnoses in conjunction with a certain ground not easily accessible or the area of ground conection is simply too oxidized. May as well check out the condition of the positive cable while you're poking around.
My truck has a slow start, takes an extra crank, bit of a lope. Charging system/battery is good, might just replace the battery cables for the heck of it, see what happens. Its 220,000 miles and a decent amount of corrosion akl along the inside of the cable. So even it doesnt solve my problem, I feel compelled to do it.
Come check me out.
I think my car might have a bad ground connection, I will definitely follow these steps. I am very impressed by the way you explained everything, you made it so simple to understand and easy to follow. Thank you very much.
You're welcome, thanks for watching and for the kind words 🙂
very helpful video! thanks. had alternator low voltage charging and also heavy cranking! In the process of trying to find the bad ground but the video certainly points me in the right direction. thanks!
Thanks for the informative video.
After a flood, my 2016 Chevrolet Impala LTZ limited had all kinds of problems.
I cleaned the gearbox, the radiator and all mechanical parts. I replaced BCM module, climate control module, instrument cluster dash panel and headlight dimmer switch.
Car has a weak start and Reverse lights ONLY work with brake lights.
I'll use your video to troubleshoot.
Thank you! I actually understood what to do! Very informative and kept it simple! Thanks again!
Hi Jessica! You're welcome, glad the video helped, and thanks for the nice comment! :-)
This guy could be a Stunt Double for Kris Kelly on Bering Sea Gold.
Thank u very much. Highly informative.simple to complex approach.
Replaced FIVE starters (each one lasts maybe a month!) so thanks for this very helpful video, looking for all the ground connections to see if heavy cranking is burning them up due to poor ground. Maranatha
Hi, thanks for watching, and glad if the video helped!
Hope you solve the problem, a bad ground connection will fry the starter for sure.
Check if you have a ground strap from the engine or transmission to the chassis or body.
I had the same problem and consulted many mechanics. Some said the problem maybe the battery and others starter. I had it fixed and it's okay.
You helped me, I knew I had a good battery & the alternator was fine. I was told my battery cable was recalled. I'm stuck 400 miles from home, alone & need to get back. I cleaned the one accessable ground connection & haven't had trouble since. Thank you very much for the info. Now my serpentine belt is squealing & I must replace before my trip. I've had one blow before & it busted the water resivour & temp guage.
Glad the video helped and thanks for watching!
Thank you for the informative film. Today my husband and me drove to another city like 40-50 miles. After a short stop (~ 20 min) I couldn't start the car: lights came, no crank, then everything goes off. I tried 3-4 times, then husband vent to see what is going on under the hood when I was trying to crank the car. He saws some smoke coming from the positive terminal connection to the battery. The smoke appeared on attempt to crank (it lasted a ~ 1 sec, a little bit of smoke). I wanted to see it as well, so husband was cranking, I saw that smoke, brushed the terminals w/metal wire, but still no crank. We were about to call AAA, but then he tried again and the car started like nothing happened before. We came back home (another ~50 mi). I checked the battery like 1 month ago at NTB place, it was good. The battery is almost 5 years old. On another battery (it went bad on another car), I've head an opinion at Autozone that a battery is not good in 5 years, so I went to see what deals they have at NTB. But at NTB they insured me that there is no need to buy a new battery or have a spare one with the battery I have. May I know your opinion what could cause that smoke. It is obviously overheating, but what causes it?
Hi and thanks for watching!
I would again check if the battery clamps are clean (the inner side that connects to the terminals) and that the clamps are properly tightened.
Smoke and even sparks can appear if this is the problem.
Hope this helps.
Thank you sooo much!
I don't think I have this problem but the information is sooo useful.
It will save hours of looking for an electrical fault...
I have similar symptoms to those below, and I think it maybe the alternator, but this information will help eliminate a lot of possibilities!
... And so easy to understand..
I am definitely subscribing 👌
You're welcome, thanks for watching and hope the video helps solve the problem.
Definitely One of the better videos I’ve seen regarding this bad ground issue. Thank you 🙏
You're welcome and thank you for watching!
Very informative,thanks and God bless!
Thank you for making this video. You have made a very useful video. My MK5 Golf GTI has the exact same symptoms, and is temperamental. I already have a new battery and the alternator is charging as it should. I will give this a try. Thank you my friend.
You're welcome, thanks for watching and for the nice comment. 🙂
Hope the video helps and you solve the problem.
awesome video! imo, everyone that drives a vehicle should know this info. keep up the good work!
Thanks for the nice comment and for watching!
Great information. Always learning👍🏼
Thanks for watching!
Very clear presentation! Thank you.
Very clear and concise review of how to check ground connections. Thanks very much!
You're welcome, thanks for watching and for the kind comment 🙂
Thank you, I have a problem and you solved it right there. Cheers bro..👍
You're welcome and glad the video helped :-). Thanks for watching.
MR. Despair Repair, thank you for helping me to understand bad ground connections on cars. I am currently restoring a 1986 Toyota Camry Le in Baltimore, Maryland.
You're welcome and glad if the video helped! By the way, very good car, and good luck with the restoration.
Tks for sharing. Nice tip for checking ground on body then engine 👌
You give a lot of common-sense remedies to car problems, I like the way you present solutions!
Thank you for the kind words and for watching! 🙂
Lesson learned. Wished I'd seen it sooner before the new battery. Thanks so much.
Thanks. Your video really helps! Easy to understand and well explained. 👍 up from Malaysia 🇲🇾
You're welcome and thanks for the nice comment!😀
Incredibly useful video. Thanks a lot!.
You're welcome and thanks for watching!
An excellent video. It was comprehensive and well explained. Thank you.
Thank you for the kind words and for watching!
The best video for ground problems Iv seen. Thank you
You're welcome, thanks for the nice comment and for watching!
Awesome video. Im gonna try to clean all of the connections on my car tomorrow. Its a little corroded, and been having issues with my lights, air, wipers, and dash light not working. My "hand brake" signal comes on. On figured it was a bad ground so came across this and it was great! Thanks so much!
You're welcome and thanks for watching!
This is a wonderful video! Thanks so much
You're welcome and thanks for watching!
كل الشكر والاحترام على مجهودك والمعلومات الجيدة
Very informative and well-explained. Thanks for posting!
You're welcome and thank you for watching!
Thanks for sharing this video about checking your grounds, it give me a better understanding of what to do.
Also you should also show how to do a resistance ground test with your multi meter, as if your multimeter shows High Resistance values that means you have a ground break somewhere that's another way of doing it.
Hi Steve, thanks for watching and for sharing!
You're right that's one more way of showing a bad ground connection.
Thank you. It really was bad grounding wire from body to motor. That voltage meter test solved it. It caused a ton of problem, destroyed charger, fuses, etc. Good channel.
You're welcome, thanky ou for the kind words and glad if the video helped 🙂
Am not electrically incline so am very much grateful for this.
Hi, you're welcome, and thanks for watching!
Thank you ser wery much. You cover it well.Simle and clean. I've been traying to wach video from other gays But the newer explain all the way as you did. Big thanks again. I think you have a lot people coming to you for fixing there cars wright!
Thank you once more and thanks for watching!
Thank you, you are a good teacher!
You're welcome and thank you for watching 🙂
I didn’t know about the jumper cable trick, I need to try that! I did a head gasket job and had a long period of time where I wasn’t working on it so I can’t figure out so far where two of the (supposedly ground) terminals go. I bought a new battery so if it works after I do that trick then I’ll be able to run it while I’m waiting to find where those wires are supposed to go. Even my OEM shop manual didn’t list those points, maybe they’re in a different area of the manual. Maybe I’ll be able to find a junkyard car I can reference.
I was having other issues like my dashboard flickering, being dim, or even spazzing like the needles and the lights, those were likely the ground wires I had touching the engine being sporadic.
Hi Wyatt and thanks for watching!
Yeah, it's a good first-aid measure, helped me a lot a couple of times.
Most manuals (even the professional ones) don't have these points stated, why I don't know, as they are very important.
I would first look at the connection from the battery to the car body and from the body to the transmission or engine.
Some cars don't have a ground connection from the body to the engine/transmission, it rather relies on, for instance, the connection made by screws on the engine mounts (which can also cause ground connection problems).
Best of luck with the repair!
Excellent video and easy to follow!! Thanks for sharing 😊
You're welcome, thank you for the kind words and for watching!
Great video, very clear and helpful in not only spitting a problem but how to fix it too.
Thanks for the kind comment and for watching! 🙂
Great video ! very helpful and very well explained on what is a common problem..... 🙂👍
Thank you for watching and for the kind comment!
Thank you! I have this going on right now! Changed out spark plugs, boots, break booster...
You're welcome and good luck with the repair!
@@DespairRepair Thanks, sounds like a lot of people need it from what I'm seeing on the forums!
@@Bizzaro500 probably, a bad ground connection is one of the most overlooked problems but one that can cause a lot of issues, especially with today's electronic systems.
This guy breaks down every details so you can understand
Geez mate. Where were you yesterday and the night before? Luckily we did end up diagnosing a bad earth. Another symptom of bad earth is the earth lead gets hot when cranking. Thanks for you upload champ.
Hi, thank you for watching, and nice to meet you!
Yes, that's another common symptom, and thanks for sharing the information.
Also, nice CZcams channel, subscribed to it 🙂
Very nice and comprehensive.
Hi, thanks for watching and for the kind words :-)
Thanks alot. You must be a teacher. Be blessed
Thank you for watching!
Hey thanks for making this vid , my sisters 04 matrix has a dim battery light. I believe it's either a bad ground or the signaling wire is corroded. Thanks for teaching everyone how to test ground quickly!
I subscribed and liked haha.
What did the issue end up being? Im having a dim light too
Very good information . There was a couple times where I couldn’t see what area you were referring to because you were in the way . Do I. Heck a Cadillac 2913 xts premium the same way?
Great video! Thanks!
You're welcome and thanks for the nice comment! 🙂
Thank you! This really helped me in the direction of my problem!
Super,!
You're welcome, glad if the video helped, and thanks for watching!
I have a fuseable link on my pos battery connection & it keeps blowing. This is prolly my issue too huh? Cuz my windows wig out & my key fob don’t work or alarm. Gratitudes my new friend :)
Big thk you . Straight direct to the point . Easily explained I’m a fan and follower ,
Thank you for watching and you're welcome :-)
You are a legend . I am going to try this tomorrow. My car crank no start and my OBD2 meter not working as well .. Will keep you updated. Thank you for a awesome video 👌
You're welcome and thanks for watching!
Hi thanks greta video. had nothing but problems with Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo 1.2 TSI . Change Alternator and fitted new battery and still the same. However after watching your video. i checked the ground connections with a multimeter. When the car is running it should around 14.2 volts, im only getting 12.6 on the battery and the ground connection on the bodywork. But when I put the negative lead on the engine metal I get 14.6V. What does this mean? I also cleaned the ground lead.
Thanks it so useful to me. My yahama r6 have some firing problems, before i replace stator or ignition coil i better check the ground connection. Coz some days my bike running some day it running bad
Ok,great content and very clear.
I recently installed a new rádio on my car and it's been a bumpy ride since.the radio will shut off and turn back on if i use the ac or sometimes if simple the fan turn on.i was parked yesterday and the whole car shut off,pls let me know what you guys think it is
Thank you
Hi Tom and thanks for watching!
I would check (if you already haven't) the battery terminals for a good connection.
Also, try checking the power supply to the radio (+) wire.
Thanks for the video, it is very easy to understand and follow.
You're welcome, thanks for the kind words and for watching!
Thanks for advice very well explained
You're welcome and thanks for watching!
What is your take on the big 3/big 4 electrical ground/charge upgrade?
thanks. simple and spot on unlike the other videos who talked and talked like my wife without any substance.
Great video man, cheers
Thank you for watching and for the kind words!
Simplified video. Thank you. My battery light stays on the dashboard for like 2 to 5 minutes after starting the car before going off. Any leads? Battery Voltage is 12.8V.
Also I want to believe that there is a separate ground connection between the battery and the gearbox as well.
Thanks, that was a great one, you can also add to check ground to ground with the ohm meter function, that can help as well to chase bad/glitchy ground to ground connection, also how to clean those ground spots to make it fully complete, otherwise I really like this really great tutorial, kuddos
Thanks for watching, for the suggestions, and for the kind words! 🙂
Grat video, I did and subscribed, blessings and thanks for sharing your knowledge.
You're welcome and thanks for watching, all the best to you!
Thank you for a good lesson sir.
You're welcome and thanks for watching!
This video and the comments are helpful. I have a 2007 Chrysler Pacifica the wipers, horn, radio, don’t respond. The voltage, airbag, ABS, parking brake and traction indicators are lit.
I’m hoping this is an issue with the wires and them needing to be reground
Hi Jamar and thanks for watching!
Could be, give it a try. Besides the ground connection, I would check for loose or rusty connections.
Was that the issue ? And did you fix it?
This video solved my no crank no start totally dead car. The voltage measured on the battery terminal was 12.5 volts, however, when the negative probe was moved a few inches away from the battery negative terminal, the voltage went down to 10 volts. The problem was a rusted and corroded connector on the negative terminal. Thank you for this video. Appreciate it.
You're welcome very glad that the video helped and thanks for watching! 🙂
I have this problem, did you replace the connector?
@@mouszzy9256 no. I just cleaned it.
Very helpful video… I found that my negative battery connector was corroded & had a small crack, so I cleaned it with contact cleaner & a wire brush!
Hi, and thanks for watching! That's the right thing to do.
Great video.
I have an issue with my Octavia which says fuel regulator short to ground on the odb reader.
I will check the ground connections this week. Hopefully it is this and an easy fix
Hi, and thanks for watching! Good luck with the repair and thank you for the kind words🙂
Thanks for a very simple to understand explanation. I now know what may be the cause of unexplainable issues with my daughter’s Yaris. She’s already replaced the alternator so hopefully we can find what’s causing the car to be absolutely dead one day and starting the next, it’s totally weird.
reply
I’ve had a bad computer do this
Good ,clear presentation.👍
Thank for the kind words and for watching!
Very well executed job well done , I hope you keep making videos
Thank you for watching!
EXCELLENT! Attention to details that mechanics all around don't do. You should consider teaching it. You are quite good my frind! thanks for all your videos !! I have checked your website.. AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AMAZING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Be safe!!
Hi, thanks for watching and for the kind words!
Than you for this wonderfool video
,I think now I can find the ground fault in my car.
You're welcome and thanks for watching!
Really thanks alot for the very useful video. Question: When doing the bypass jumping cable , should I turn ingention key on or leave it off ? thanks.
You're welcome and thanks for watching!
It would be better to first turn off the ignition and then connect the cable.
Thank you. Well presented. Perhaps in addition provide how to properly and specially clean the connections. What substance to use?
Thanks for watching! There are various methods, once you get the acid corrosion off the terminals (if there is any) you can use sandpaper, a file or even better a battery terminal cleaner.
Very informative, Thank you
You're welcome and thanks for watching and for the kind words!
Yo you saved me some damn money fr fr bless you dawg 🙏🏼💪🏼👍🏼
For the jumper cable method… the red cable goes on a solid body metal right? And is that with the engine
my headlights flicker when I am using my radio for a while, sometiimes causing my engine to stall and restart. I got the dealer to check, the battery and alternator is still in good condition, but they suspect the ground connection. Could you point to where I should check for my issue?
Great video thanx !
You're welcome and thanks for watching!
Damn good video to the point!
Last winter I had a no start due to corrosion inside the battery terminal cable. I'm back to having no start and thanks to this I know it's not that but still don't know why it's not starting.
Hi, thanks for watching and glad if the video helped
Guru here, be mindful when redesigning (adding wires) to any vehicle. Often voltage drop and or path is used to do interesting things. Like when cranking an 80s ford a brake light bulb test is accomplished on dash bulb (the front rear proportion valve indicator) to many charging systems measuring voltage drop accros a certain length of wire in the ground path to regulate charging current. Bigger is not always better when rewiring one of these type of systems.
That is good for understanding ground issue in my car. Thanks 👍
You're welcome and thank you for the kind words 🙂
@@DespairRepairMy friend I wish you make videos on testing iginication coil, spark plugs, and spark plug wires. I think it will make difference for us. Thanks 👍
@@eroltube100 thank you for the suggestion, to be honest, it's on the to-do list 🙂
My rpm drips a little when I press the powerwindow switch is that also bad ground?
How do you test the ground for a hard start?
Hello! Great video. I have a question. If my car battery is in the trunk, would I use an incredibly long extension wire to ground/test the engine block and chassis? Or would I put my positive test lead to the engine fuse box? Thank you
Use two short cables. One between battery negative to clean .body point in trunk the second between engine bay body to engine.
Hi My car does unstable rpm some times when i open my door. May e because of hazard lights came on. And also my car vibrates when i turn on my AC
Very informative and clear 👍
Thank you for watching!
I have a 97 mustang, when it's cold outside and I start it up the wipers come for a cycle. any idea what could fix that? everything else is great.
Thank u Des
nice video.
you could have made some diagnosis eg. when the charger wont charge the battery, the ground to the engine is faulty etc.
also after cleaning and before refitting - grease the connection with copper paste, to prevent the malfunctioning in the future.
Hi, and thanks for watching!
We've made a video about how to check the alternator charge. You're right about the copper grease.
Thanks for sharing.
Well done!
Thank you for the nice words and thanks for watching!
When cranking I usually get a click, and I have to try to crank it a few times, after 2-4 times it works. I drive a 2002 ford focus se if that helps.
Hi Brennen and thanks for watching!
That kind of fault can be caused by a number of things.
The first that come to mind are a bad starter solenoid, worn-out starter brushes, worn-out ignition switch, loose or corroded contacts to the starter solenoid, and so on.
If the starter is OK, try checking the battery terminals (if there tightened and cleaned) and the main ground connections.
Hope this helps!
Nice video. More informative thank you. I just subscribed
Thank you very much for the kind words and thank you very much for the sub 🙂
thank's you. your explanation was just nice and easy to understand. it's helped me a lot. thanks
You're welcome and thanks for watching